There truly is nothing else in the world quite like Amsterdam Dance Event. Sprawling across the winding streets and canals of central Amsterdam, part festival and part industry conference, ADE is a truly international event, welcoming artists from across the broad spectrum of electronic music. The range of genres represented reflects the diversity of the dance music community, from staples of house and techno, to more fleeting and niche scenes, ADE is a platform to connect and inspire musicians, artists, and fans regardless of their preference.
This year ADE celebrates its 21st Birthday. ADE is more than just a hotbed of talent but a global get-together. The festival and conference bring together like-minded creatives and musicians from across the globe to help the industry flourish. Each of the days features a specific focus to all the conferences and talks, from working with brands, to improving the sustainability and encouraging social responsibility, as well how to inspire the next generation of artists. Electronic music is an innovative medium that is constantly developing alongside technology, and a sizable portion of the weekend will be dedicated to manufacturers demonstrating their latest production gear as well as giving hands on demonstrations and masterclasses.
The nightlife program boasts some impeccably curated lineups by some of the most acclaimed names and brands in the industry thanks to the fact that just about everyone on the touring circuit will be visiting for the weekend. Only a fraction of the artists set to play have been announced so far, but among them already stand the likes of Adam Beyer, heading up Drumcode Presents at the Gashouder; Hardwell, representing Revealed Recordings at the Heineken Music Hall; and Richie Hawtin’s reputable ENTER. Homegrown Dutch wonderkid Martin Garrix will present two headline shows following on from his immensely popular ADE Talk last year. In the festival’s efforts to promote inclusivity, one of Garrix’s shows is an all ages gig to give younger fans, usually unable to attend festival or club gigs, a chance to see their favorite DJ in a live environment. Electronic music is about more than just the DJs, of course, and live performance will feature prominently at Milkveg, Paradiso and Sugar Factory, some of the city’s most notorious venues, as part of ADE Live.
Amsterdam is known for having one of the most progressive nightlife industries in the world and despite the extensive line-up of international talent, the city itself is really the star of the show. ADE offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vibrant Dutch capital. One night you could be partying inside a giant industrial gas cylinder, and the next you could find yourself in attendance at an acclaimed classical music hall on the waterfront. Whilst the music takes centre stage, organisers are just as concerned with cultivating the wider culture that is so integral to the ethos of dance music, and throughout the festival program visitors will also be able to explore galleries, pop-ups and other venues that will host screenings, exhibitions and interactive displays across the city.
Ticket options are incredibly flexible and allow you to create the festival experience that best suits you. The most popular options are the five-day pass, and single-day pass. Alternatively, if you know precisely what you want out of ADE, you can tailor your experience to your interests by buying individual tickets to just the events that you want to attend. Plus, with events taking place city-wide there are plenty of different options for accommodation on offer, no matter your budget.
ADE takes place from Wednesday 19th to Sunday 23rd October. More information and tickets can be found here.